Page 27 of The Secret Mate Society

Miranda, one of the younger wolves, leaned forward, her voice trembling slightly."And what if we can't find him?What if he kills again?"

Her question hung in the air, voicing the fear that gripped us all.I met her gaze, trying to project confidence I didn't entirely feel in this situation that was far out of my comfort zone and realm of control."We will find him," I said firmly."Starting tonight, we're implementing round-the-clock patrols.No one goes alone.Teams of three, rotating shifts."I moved to the coffee table where I'd laid out a map of Portland and the surrounding areas, marked with the locations of the cattle mutilations and now, Greer's murder."I've divided our territory into sectors.Each team will take a quadrant."I tapped the map."The attacks have been concentrated here, north of town.That's where we'll focus most of our efforts."

Patrick pushed off the wall, coming closer to examine the map."What about the human authorities?They'll be all over this now that there's been a murder."

"Which is why we need to be careful," I replied."No shifting where you might be seen.If you catch the rogue's scent, you call for backup immediately.Do not engage alone.Patrol in wolf form, that way it’s easier to slip away unnoticed should you come across any humans.And keep to the shadows.”

"And what about the journalist?"This from Samantha, one of our older pack members.Her gray-streaked hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, her eyes sharp with suspicion."If he's poking around where he shouldn't, he could expose us all."

I felt my wolf bristle at what sounded like a quiet threat toward Ethan, but I kept my voice level."I'll handle Murphy.As I said, he might have information we need."

"Handle him how, exactly?"Samantha pressed, her tone making it clear what she thought I should do.

My eyes locked with hers, a silent battle of wills."By keeping him close.Steering him away from dangerous lines of inquiry.The demon liaison is aware of my approach."That last part was a half truth, but a necessary one.I couldn't have my pack questioning my judgment or, worse, taking matters into their own hands with Ethan.“The important thing," I continued, addressing the whole room again, "is that we find this rogue before anyone else dies.Before the humans start hunting for answers we can't afford for them to find."

Trevor nodded, stepping up beside me."Patrol assignments are posted on the kitchen door.First shift starts at midnight.Check your phones for the schedule.I’ve texted those of you up first.”

The pack began to disperse, breaking into small groups to discuss their assignments.I caught snatches of conversation here and there.The pack was worried about the patrols cutting into work hours, concerned about what to tell human friends they wanted to protect, and fearful of what might happen if they encountered the rogue.

Patrick sidled up to me as I folded the map."You sure you know what you're doing with this human?Getting involved with a journalist is playing with fire."

"I'm not involved," I said, the lie bitter on my tongue."I'm just keeping an eye on a potential threat."

Patrick's gaze was skeptical, but he didn't press further."If you say so.Just be careful.Humans are fragile, and this one's already in the rogue's sights.The last thing we need is another dead person on our hands.”

The thought made my stomach clench.I nodded, unable to form words around the sudden tightness in my throat.

As the last of the pack filed out, I stood alone in my living room, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me.The clock on the wall showed just past ten, less than twenty-four hours until my date with Ethan.A date that was becoming more complicated by the minute.I moved to the window, watching as my pack dispersed into the night.Some headed home, others toward their patrol sectors.The responsibility of their safety weighed on me like a physical burden.Twenty lives under my protection, and now, inexplicably, Ethan's too.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.I pulled it out, half expecting another text from Ethan, but it was Elias.

Meeting with the Council tomorrow.10am.Updates required.

Perfect timing.Right before my date with Ethan.I texted back a quick acknowledgment, then pocketed my phone and headed for the kitchen.I needed a drink.

The whiskey burned pleasantly as it went down, warming me from the inside out.I leaned against the counter, allowing myself a moment of weakness now that I was alone.The image of Greer's mutilated body flashed in my mind again, followed immediately by Ethan's smiling face.The juxtaposition made me nauseous.

"I see you," I muttered, rolling the phrase around in my mouth like the whiskey.Who was the rogue watching?Me?My pack?Or was it Ethan, the curious journalist who couldn't help but ask questions?Was someone else on his tail?Maybe he meant the police?I had no idea.But the phrase carved into that farmer’s body haunted me.

Trevor's patrol team would be leaving soon.I knew I should join them, check the perimeter myself.It was my duty as Alpha.But something kept me rooted to the spot, staring at my phone, at the last text from Ethan.

Can't wait for tomorrow :)

Such a simple message, yet it sent warmth spreading through my chest even as cold fear gripped my stomach.Whatever was happening between us was becoming harder to deny, harder to control.My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, torn between the urge to protect and the instinct to claim.

The doorbell rang, startling me from my thoughts.I set down my glass and moved cautiously to the front door, my senses on high alert.The scent that greeted me was familiar.It was Trevor.

"Thought you'd be halfway to your patrol by now," I said as I opened the door.

Trevor stood on my porch, his expression troubled."Can… uh… Can we talk?”

I nodded and stepped aside to let Trevor in.His usual easy-going demeanor was replaced with something tense, almost nervous.He fidgeted with the keys in his hand as he entered.

"What's on your mind?"I asked, closing the door behind him.

Trevor paced a few steps before turning to face me."It's about Ethan Murphy."

My wolf instantly went on alert, hackles rising."What about him?"